An Open Love Letter To My Brothers

At one time I was alone and thought I was the only one with feelings that
didn't go along with my birth biology. Then I met my Sisters and found I was
simply one of thousands around the world with feeling similar to mine. That
opened a whole new world to me and left me with the impression that this
Transgender thing was a Male to Female aberration in the male gender. But I
heard rumors.

In the early 90's I went to the Southern Comfort Convention in Atlanta, Georgia,
and the rumors were confirmed before my eyes. There were Female to Male
Transgendered people and there they were! I found myself fascinated and
couldn't stay away from their group. I finally gathered my courage and bought
one of them, Phillip from Montreal, a drink in exchange for a little
conversation and information. Phillip was a cute little guy with a wonderful
French-Canadian accent and was going through his changes primarily because of
deep inner feelings and to better support his daughter.

Over the years I have been fortunate to have many conversations with my
F2M Brothers and have found another new world so similar to mine, with the
same depth but opposite orientation. What a wonderful gift! Just meeting my
Brothers and sharing our feelings and experiences has opened my eyes and mind
and changed my perception of the Transgendered phenomena completely. My
Brothers, you have taught me and your Sisters so very much! I can no longer
think of it as an aberration and certainly not a Male to Female aberration.
It is a human phenomena and must be so as it affects both genders in similar
but opposite ways.

I want to thank you, Brothers, for what you have taught me. When I was
at a low point in my life, one of your authors, Leslie Feinberg showed me
through his book "Stone Butch Blues" that my problems were miniscule compared
to Yours. Thanks Leslie!

To my friend Chris in Minnesota, you taught me that
Transgendered relationships don't have to be just a brother/sister thing but
can be much more. I wish I could locate you again, I've tried. Thanks Chris!

To Phillip, you opened my eyes to the other half of the Transgendered
phenomena with your honesty and Lion heart. Thanks Phillip!

To all my
Brothers, both locally, across the country and around the world, thanks for
your courage and example in following your hearts. You have given me and your
Sisters far more than you will ever know. I love you all!

Ms. Dahlberg is a Registered professional engineer who has earned licenses in
5 states. She is currently a member of the Stonewall Cincinnati's speaker's
bureau, teaches GED classes and serves on the Vestry at Church of Our
Saviour, Cincinnati, Ohio. She is the Public Relations and Outreach
Coordinator and serves on the Board of Directors of Crossport, Cincinnati.